SwissFin Newsletter March 2016

Dear Readers,

We welcome you to our first Newsletter for 2016.

Our focus in this edition is the Budget Speech by our recently re-appointed Finance Minister, Mr. Pravin Gordhan, held on 24 February 2016.
The budget was one of the most important post-apartheid ones in view of a possible ratings downgrade by the international rating agencies. Mr Gordhan managed to gain time and Standard & Poors’ announced after the budget that they would not immediately change South Africa’s rating. Please find a summary of the key points of the Minister’s speech further below.
We have also included information across the board regarding investments, insurance, immigration and other related topics.

As usual, this newsletter can be viewed under https://www.swissfin.co.za/newsletter/swissfin-newsletter-march-2016/.

Enjoy the reading, with best regards,

Your SwissFin – Team

1. INVESTMENTS

• Interest rates: Bank deposits, insurance plans, tax-free investment amounts and our offshore model portfolios

2. LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL NEWS

• Nedbank Private Wealth deposits
• New “Guaranteed Investment Tranche” by Momentum Wealth now available
• The US is the world’s new tax haven

3. TAXATION

• Budget Speech highlights
• New retirement fund tax laws as from 1 March 2016
• Access to retirement annuities for foreigners emigrating

4. SHORT-TERM INSURANCE

• SwissSure is alive!
• The weakening rand – make sure you are adequately covered!
• Vehicle written off – are you entitled to a premium refund?
• Directors’ Personal Liability and the new Companies Act
• Rise of Airbnb raises questions about insurance implications for homeowners
• Insurance car hire options – please take note of these important points
• MUA scoops three accolades at PMR Africa awards

5. IMMIGRATION

• South Africans are losing their citizenship
• Make sure you do not overstay your validity period of your permit

6. HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE

• Road Accident Fund claims and recovery of medical expenses

7. OTHER

• We are looking for more team players at SwissSure
• SwissFin at Arabella Golf Estate’s Captain’s Day
• Which are the world’s worst airlines?
• Which are the best and the worst cities in the world?
• Continuation of project shoe box
• Vehicle Registration without SA ID book
• Addendum to our last article on “Drones”
• We value your comment
• Advertisement

SwissFin offers the following rates as of March 2016:

Interest rates ››

Insurance Plans: “Guaranteed income/growth plans” (5 year term), approx. 80% of income tax free: ››

Tax-free interest income – maximum investment amounts: ››

R 1.5 Mio. for taxpayers under the age of 65
R 2.3 Mio. for taxpayers between the age of 65 and 75
R 2.5 Mio. for taxpayers over the age of 75

Underlying assumptions: 6.5% effective interest. Couples married in community of property can double these amounts.

SwissFin offshore model portfolios ››

The annualized performance (before costs) of our balanced portfolios are as follows:

Comment

With the weak Rand, inflation is likely to increase. Further, a possible ratings downgrade could add more pressure and increase consumer prices in South Africa.

Should you wish to receive more information on our attractive money market fund, the tax-efficient income plans or our offshore offering, please contact Mr. Tony R. Hug

More Information?

Tel: +27 (21) 551 3331

eMail:

Nedbank Private Wealth deposits ››

We would like to remind all our private banking clients, that they need to advise us or Nedbank Private Wealth directly, if they have made direct deposits into the income portfolio fund.

Due to the size (several Billion Rands) and activities within the fund, it is not always possible to immediately allocate a deposit by a client and could result in a loss of interest payable.

We therefore ask you to notify us and maybe copy the following contacts at Nedbank Private Wealth into the e-mail:

Mrs Zuraida Boltman – or Mr Jan Du Plessis or call them on 021 – 416 6779.

New “Guaranteed Investment Tranche” by Momentum Wealth now available ››

The insurer has launched the protected index plan. The investors’ funds are placed in a policy over 5 years with 100% capital guarantee.

The policy tracks the FTSE / JSE Africa Top 40 Index. At the end of the term, your initial capital is paid back including any growth, subject to a capping of approx. 40%. You can withdraw funds during the 3.5 year term, but will lose the capital protection.

The advantages of the plan are as follows:

• Your investment is linked to the stock market, but you cannot lose your money.
• The gain is subject to capital gains tax and not income tax.

The tranches are issued on a monthly basis and the above parameters will vary from month to month. Please contact Mr. Tony R. Hug – should you wish to receive further information.

The US is the world’s new tax haven ››

Some are calling it the new Switzerland – the world’s favourite new Tax Haven is the United States.

After years of lambasting other countries for helping rich Americans hide their money offshore, the U.S. is emerging as a leading tax and secrecy haven for rich foreigners. By resisting new global disclosure standards, the US is creating a hot new market, becoming the go-to place to stash foreign wealth. Everyone – from London lawyers to Swiss trust companies – is getting in on the act, helping the world’s rich move accounts from places like the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands to Nevada, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
How ironic that the USA, which has been so sanctimonious in its condemnation of Swiss banks, has become the banking secrecy jurisdiction du jour.

The firm says its Reno operation caters to international families attracted to the stability of the U.S. and that customers must prove they comply with their home countries’ tax laws.

There’s nothing illegal about banks luring foreigners to put money in the U.S. with promises of confidentiality as long as they are not intentionally helping to evade taxes abroad. Still, the U.S. is one of the few places left where advisers are actively promoting accounts that will remain secret from overseas authorities.
The U.S. was determined to put an end to such practices. That led to a 2010 law, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or Fatca, which requires financial firms to disclose foreign accounts held by U.S. citizens and report them to the IRS or face steep penalties.

Inspired by Fatca, the OECD drew up even stiffer standards to help other countries ferret out tax dodgers. Since 2014, 97 jurisdictions have agreed to impose new disclosure requirements for bank accounts, trusts, and some other investments held by international customers. Of the nations the OECD asked to sign on, only a handful have declined: Bahrain, Nauru, Vanuatu – and the United States.
Offering secrecy to clients is not against the law, but U.S. firms are not permitted to knowingly help overseas customers evade foreign taxes. Hence, all the banks will first make sure that the applicant’s tax affairs in his home country are in order.

Budget Speech highlights ››

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan in his Budget increased taxes on excise duties, capital gains, fuel, sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco and environmental levies, which are expected to bring in an extra R 18 Billion.

The minister did not raise the tax on personal income or VAT but said that the current taxes on wealth are under review.

Gordhan also targeted government spending, as he aimed to decrease the state’s wasteful expenditure. The measures taken included exploring a possible merger between South African Airways and SA Express, freezing job appointments in the public service, cracking down on government corruption and cutting the state’s expenditure ceiling by R 25 Billion over three years.

Addressing the need to avoid a credit ratings downgrade, the minister said that steps were being taken to cut red tape for business investors while there would be greater co-operation between the State and business.

Other details are as follows:

• Personal income tax relief of R 5.65 Billion.
• Capital gains tax inclusion rate for individuals, special trusts and insurers’ individual policyholder funds increases from 33.3% to 40%, and for other taxpayers from 66.6% to 80%. This means that the maximum effective CGT for individuals has increased from 13.7% to 16.4% and for corporates from 18.6% to 22.4%. For trusts the maximum rate is now 32.8%.
• Assets transferred through a loan to a trust are to be included in the estate of the founder at death and interest-free loans to trusts are to be treated as donations.
• Transfer costs for property sales over R 10 Mio. increases from 11% to 13%.
• The voluntary disclosure rules for taxpayers who have undisclosed assets abroad will be relaxed for a period of six months from 1 October 2016 to allow noncompliant taxpayers to disclose assets held and income earned offshore. Successful applicants will be required to pay a portion of the taxes that have been due as well as a levy on the value of the offshore assets. More details are to follow.
• General fuel levy increases by 30 cents per litre on 6 April 2016.
• Excise duties on alcoholic beverages increase by between 6.7% and 8.5%.
• From 1 April 2016 the plastic bag levy is to increase from 6 cents to 8 cents per bag and the incandescent globe tax will Increase from R 4 to R 6 per globe.
• A tyre levy at R 2.30 per kilogram is to be introduced on 1 October 2016 and a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages on 1 April 2017.

Income tax:
The income tax rate table for 2017 tax year for individuals and trusts is therefore as follows:
R 0 – R 188000 18% of taxable income
R 188001 – R 293600 R 33840 + 26% of the amount over R 188000
R 293601 – R 406400 R 61296 + 31% of the amount over R 293600
R 406401 – R 550100 R 96264 + 36% of the amount over R 406400
R 550101 – R 701300 R 147996 + 39% of the amount over R 550100
R 701301 and above R 206964 + 41% of the amount over R 701300

Tax rebates for individuals:
Primary rebate increased from R 13257 to R 13500
Secondary rebate (age 65 – 74) unchanged at R 7407
Tertiary rebate (age 75+) unchanged at R 2466

Tax thresholds:
Under 65 years – R 75000
Over 65 years – R 116150
Over 75 years – R 129850

Medical tax credits
There is an increase from R 270 to R 286 p.m. for the first two dependants, thereafter R 192 p.m. (was R 181) for each additional beneficiary.

Comment
Two top rating agencies have already signalled that South Africa could lose its hard-earned investment-grade status this year, if economic growth falls short of expectations.
A downgrade to junk bond would make it harder for South Africa to borrow in foreign currencies. Many professional investors, such as pension funds, hedge funds etc., are prevented by policy from investing in countries with a junk bond status. This would mean that further funds would flow out of South Africa and put more pressure on the Rand, which in turn will put pressure on inflation.
So the message is clear, our Government has to roll up its sleeves – the work has only now begun!

New retirement fund tax laws as from 1 March 2016 ››

As from this date, tax implications for Pension Funds, Provident Funds and Retirement Annuities will be treated in the same way.
Millions of workers will have to be educated on the newly enacted retirement reforms.
The controversial reforms stipulate that only 1/3 of a worker’s provident fund may be withdrawn at retirement, whilst the remaining 2/3 has to buy a pension (annuity). There are two types of pensions available, namely a guaranteed annuity or a living annuity. The later gives the investor the choice of investment vehicles, whilst the guaranteed annuity renders a guaranteed pension for life.

If the value of the fund is below R 247’500, the restrictions do not apply and the full amount may be taken in cash (after taxes payable). It is also important to note that current provident fund values including future growth are not affected by these changes. They only apply to contributions as from 1 March 2016. Other changes are that you can now contribute up to 27.5% of your taxable earnings towards a retirement fund, subject to an annual maximum tax deduction of R 350’000. This means that members of retirement annuities, who were restricted to 15%, can now contribute up to 27.5% to their private pension plan.
The reforms have been criticized by the Unions. Looking at the above mentioned exemptions, we feel that the Unions have made too much noise as most of their members are not affected by the changes.

There has been much confusion in the press, but a person resigning or being retrenched from work is not bound to have the fund value preserved and is allowed to withdraw it in cash.

The move by the Government is welcome, as many retiring workers are not educated sufficiently when it comes to the retirement options. Often full pension values are withdrawn (after a huge amount of tax is paid), then spent in a short space of time, hence putting pressure back on the Government with requests for social grants.

Access to retirement annuities for foreigners emigrating ››

The definition of a retirement annuity will be amended, with effect from 1 March 2016 to allow access to the funds prior to retirement for foreign nationals or non-residents.
At the moment only persons that formally emigrate (recognised and processed via the SA Reserve Bank) can access their retirement annuity fund as a lump sum, prior to retirement (income tax is paid based on the withdrawal tax table).
This provision is amended with effect from 1 March 2016. The amended paragraph provides for the following:
A member will have full access to the retirement annuity fund prior to retirement, if:

– The member ceases to be a resident (tax resident), or
– The member departs from SA at the expiry of a working visa or a visitation visa as contemplated in the definition of a visa in the Immigration Act.

The administrative requirements will be communicated once provided by Treasury and SARS.

SwissSure is alive! ››

It is with great excitement to inform you that the Financial Services Board (FSB) has approved our new licence. We will be proceeding with the implementation matters and have set the 1st of August – the Swiss National Day – as our starting date.
If you have not sent us the transfer form for your short-term policies yet, please click here

The weakening rand – make sure you are adequately covered! ››

During the course of 2015, the Rand lost approximately 34% against the US Dollar. Although the depreciation has slowed down, there is no sign of recovery yet. Imported goods’ prices will be affected, as shown by the following tables:

Your values on building and household contents will be increased by 10 % inflation. Please note that this is still no guarantee that you are adequately insured. We would like to remind you that the obligation to ensure that the values (replacement values) of your insured items are adequate rests with you as the policyholder. Please review your valuations of contents or do an asset inventory.

Also bear in mind that possession such as artwork, antiques, jewellery, watches etc. should have updated valuation certificates so that we can settle any claim in full.

Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our short-term department.

Vehicle written off – are you entitled to a premium refund? ››

Most insurance companies will not refund your premium if your vehicle is written off for the period of insurance (if premium paid monthly, the premium is lost for the month the claim occurred. If premium paid annually, the premium is lost for the remainder of the year up until renewal). This could mean a huge loss for annual policyholders, if a claim occurs early in the insurance year.

We are pleased to announce that MUA Insurance and AIG have waived this clause and will no longer penalise their policyholders when a vehicle is written off. Your pro-rata premium refund will be calculated and paid to you.

Other insurers are evaluating their practises in terms of a campaign called “Treating Customers Fairly” and might change their clause in the near future.

Directors’ Personal Liability and the new Companies Act ››

The Companies Act 71 of 2008 came into effect on 1 May 2011 and introduced a number of strenuous provisions. One such provision has the effect of broadening directors’ liability. Directors may be unaware that the separate legal identity of the company may no longer offer them the protection against personal liability as originally intended at the time of incorporation.

The definition of a director has been broadened by the Act and now also includes the following persons: Alternative director, prescribed officer (person who regularly has material participation in exercising general executive control over and management of the whole, or a significant portion, of the business and activities of the company), a person who is a member of a committee of a board of a company or of the audit committee of a company.

A director in breach of such duties may be held liable by the company for loss, damage and costs sustained by the company jointly and severally with other liable directors.

More than ever, it may be advisable to acquire liability insurance as permitted by the Act. It should be pointed out that insurance may not provide protection in instances where wilful misconduct occurs, a director acts on behalf of the company knowing that the he or she lacks the authority to do so, and a director acted (or failed to act) where such act or omission was calculated to defraud the company.

Please contact Mr Marius Romer – if you need any further information.

Rise of Airbnb raises questions about insurance implications for homeowners ››

The growing popularity of property rental platforms, such as Airbnb, is raising concerns over the insurance implications for renters. While it might sound like a great idea to rent out one’s home in order to make a little extra cash, many homeowners could find themselves out of pocket if they do not consider the insurance implications.

Besides the risk of financial loss faced by homeowners if property is damaged or stolen, there are significant liability issues which could bankrupt the homeowner should a guest be injured on the property and the owner is proven to be at fault for failing to effectively secure the property.

While the Airbnb platform does offer its host a ‘Host Guarantee’ of USD 1,0 Mio. to pay for damages (with some exclusions), this option is not yet available to South African homeowners. However, even if it was available, the Airbnb website clearly states that “The Host Guarantee is not insurance and should not be considered as a replacement or stand-in for homeowners or renters insurance”.

Before homeowners consider renting out their home to holiday makers, it is imperative that they make contact with their insurance provider to inform them of the arrangement to ensure adequate cover is in place. Not all insurance policies are created equal and exclusions may apply when renting out a property.

Insurance car hire options – please take note of these important points ››

We have seen some uncertainty when it comes to a replacement vehicle in the event of a car being at a panel beater or stolen.
– Most insurance companies offer 30 days car hire. We have recently discovered a trend when spare parts have to be imported, that the indemnity period of 30 days is not sufficient. Some insurers can give up to 45 days car hire at an extra premium and we recommend that you consider this option.
– The standard car hire is a 1600ccm vehicle with manual transmission. If you can only drive an automatic car, you please need to inform us so that we can amend your policy to include an automatic car. There is a small surcharge for this.

MUA scoops three accolades at PMR Africa awards ››

MUA Insurance Acceptances has received three awards in the 2016 PMR Africa national survey of Underwriting Management Agencies (UMAs), including two Diamond Arrow Awards, landing first place overall for the Executive Motor Vehicles and Executive Home Insurance categories, and a Golden Arrow award in the Personal Lines category.

Christelle Colman, CEO of MUA Insurance Acceptances, says she is thrilled that the company has been recognised for its strength in providing tailor-made short-term insurance solutions for the executive market. “We place a lot of effort to fully understand the specific needs of this market and take pride in establishing solid relationships with key industry players to ensure we can offer all-encompassing solutions.”

SwissFin would like to congratulate MUA Insurance and is proud to be associated with them, as they underwrite our GolfEstateSure policy offering.

South Africans are losing their citizenship ››

Many South African emigrants who have obtained citizenship in other countries may be surprised when they discover that they no longer have SA citizenship and the right to vote.

According to a law firm, approximately 2000 South African expatriates have lost their citizenship between 2011 and 2015. In most cases the withdrawal is only detected when a new South African passport is applied for.

Many people are not aware that they need to apply to the Minister of Home Affairs for consent prior to obtaining a foreign citizenship. If they fail to do that, they automatically lose their South African citizenship!

This however only applies if the person is not a minor and is not applying for citizenship to the other country because of marriage in that country. It has to be a formal and voluntary acceptance of a foreign citizenship.

In this regard, it is important to note the difference between obtaining the other nationality through descent and naturalisation.

Descent

Persons who acquire another nationality via descent, will not automatically lose their South African citizenship (provided he/she can automatically apply for the second passport without lodging a formal application for such citizenship), and do not have to follow the process of retaining their SA citizenship. Descent is passed down by a parent only. An example is a British parent that passes citizenship down to children born outside of the UK.

Naturalisation

This is applicable to people who obtain a second nationality through a formal application (i.e. after holding indefinite leave to remain for a certain period). If you can obtain another citizenship through naturalisation, you have to apply formally for the retention of your SA citizenship, before acquiring the other nationality. If you fail to do so, you will automatically lose your South African citizenship.

The Citizenship Act has been in force since 1949, but only recently has the Government become strict on this issue. An application to retain the SA citizenship can be done at the Department of Home Affairs or the South African Embassies or Consulates abroad. The process can easily take up to 12 months.
It needs to be noted that the person will still have permanent residence and has the right to work etc. The citizenship extends the right to take part in elections and the person can no longer vote.

Make sure you do not overstay your validity period of your permit ››

The Department of Home Affairs has tightened the grip on people staying illegal in South Africa. The officials at the border posts are showing a now mercy attitude, even if one has overstayed for one day only.
The consequences of an overstay are as follows:

The Director-General may declare a foreigner undesirable who overstays after the expiry of his or her visa, and may
(a) in the case of a person who overstays for a period not exceeding 30 days, be declared undesirable for a period of 12 months;
(b) in the case of a person who overstays for the second time within a period of 24 months, be declared undesirable for a period of two years; and
(c) in the case of a person who overstays for more than 30 days, be declared undesirable for a period of five years.

The Department has further communicated in December 2015, that an undesirable person does not qualify for an entry into the country, a visa or a permanent residence during the restriction period. Over and above, an administrative cash penalty is imposed.

The new ruling has also caused hardship on those that overstayed due to unforeseen reasons (sickness, accident etc.). Even in these cases will the Department impose an undesirable status and the person has to lodge an appeal to have the ban lifted.

We recommend to all our clients to avoid overstaying, as the appeal process is extremely slow and in many cases not very successful.

Road Accident Fund claims and recovery of medical expenses ››

Anybody that has suffered injuries due to an accident in traffic, regardless of being a driver, passenger or pedestrian, has got the right to lodge a claim against the Road Accident Fund (RAF). The fund is sponsored via the purchase of fuel and almost one Rand per litre flows into the RAF.

Even if you are a member of a Health Medical Scheme you are fully covered for injuries or any other healthcare claims that result from a motor vehicle accident. You can claim for general bodily damages as well as healthcare expenses from the RAF. Please note that claims paid by the RAF for healthcare expenses already paid by a medical scheme must be reimbursed to the medical scheme!

RAF claims are normally handled via attorneys that are specialised in this field. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous attorneys who are enriching themselves. The impact of “RAF-stripping”, whereby excessive legal fees are levied on members claiming from the RAF by their attorneys, can have a significant negative impact on these members, who have in many cases suffered serious motor vehicle accident injuries.

Should you suspect unethical dealings by such attorneys, seek assistance from your health insurer. In some cases, attorneys have been charging excessive fees as some of the RAV pay-outs are compensation for loss of body functionality and can be substantial amounts.

We are looking for more team players at SwissSure ››

Due to a restructure in our short-term insurance department, we are offering exciting job opportunities. The applicant must be fluent in German and English, be able to work in a team, have great communication skills and be 110% service orientated. No previous insurance background is required and we will train you to become a client consultant.

We are also looking for a German speaking receptionist, with the same credentials as mentioned above.

Both positions are full time employments.

If you are interested in the positions or know of anybody, please send the CV to Mr. Marius Romer – .

SwissFin at Arabella Golf Estate’s Captain’s Day ››

We recently supported the Golf Day at Arabella Golf Estate in Kleinmond. MUA Insurance Company sponsored a lucky draw which included a tour to a wine estate in a chauffeur driven 1957 Bentley. Congratulations to Mr Richard and Mrs Sue Tatham, who were the lucky winners of this fantastic prize!

Which are the world’s worst airlines? ››

A travel publication has named the worst airlines in the world when it comes to customer service, based on the votes of its readers. The insights were gained during Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.
The title of airline with the worst customer service went to Spirit Airlines, an American low-cost airline. “They leave you stranded when they cancel your flight, then basically tell you they don’t care. If they could figure out a way to charge for oxygen, they would do it. Used to fly them regularly but now I would pay more to avoid them,” one T+L reader said about the airline. The airline’s social media policy, where there is an “Autopilot” instead of a social media team (to save money), has also come under fierce criticism.
In second place is EasyJet, a British low-cost carrier with only economy class seats.
Below are the top airlines with the worst customer service, according to the survey:
1. Spirit Airlines
2. EasyJet
3. US Airways
4. American Eagle
5. Frontier Airlines
6. United Airlines
7. Air China
8. Alitalia
9. Iberia Airlines

Which are the best and the worst cities in the world? ››

Mercer has released their 2016 Quality of Living Rankings, listing which cities in the world have the best (and worst) quality of life.
The rankings take into account a city’s political and social environment, economic environment, socio-cultural environment, medical and health considerations, education, public services, recreation, consumer goods, housing, and natural environment.
European cities dominated the top 10 rankings, but Canadian and Australian cities also made an appearance: Out of 229 cities, these are the rankings:

1. Vienna, Austria
2. Zurich, Switzerland
3. Auckland, New Zealand
4. Munich, Germany
5. Vancouver, Canada
6. Dusseldorf, Germany
7. Frankfurt, Germany
8. Geneva, Switzerland
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
10. Sydney, Australia

Cities in Middle Eastern and African countries facing unrest and war made up the majority of the bottom ten rankings:
220. Nouakchott, Mauritania
221. Conakry, Guinea
222. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
223. Brazzaville, Congo
224. Damascus, Syria
225. N’Djamena, Chad
226. Khartoum, Sudan
227. Port-au-Prince, Haiti
228. Sana’a, Yemen
229. Bangui, Central African Republic
230. Baghdad, Iraq

With regards to South Africa, Cape Town in position 92 trumps Johannesburg in 95th as the better place to live. However, some say Johannesburg makes up for its lower quality of life with its higher salaries.
Most surprisingly though, Durban was listed at number 85! No doubt though that these rankings will never end the debate between Durbanites, Joburgers and Capetonians.

Continuation of project shoe box ››

As part of the Nelson Mandela legacy “67 minutes” every staff member created and filled a shoe box for teens and young adults infected with TB who are being treated at the Brooklyn Chest TB Hospital in Ysterplaat. We dropped off the love filled boxes on the 4th of December 2015.

Vehicle Registration without SA ID book ››

As of November 2015, there is a new process by the Traffic Department, as vehicles cannot be licenced without a SA ID Book.
This is a problem for all non-residents which can be overcome as follows:

• One has to apply for a Traffic Register Certificate Number. This form can be obtained from the Traffic Department (or maybe your car dealership will have one).
• A copy of a current Utility Bill – no older than 3 months – is required.
• Copy of passport (take passport with to verify).
• 2 passport photos.

These documents are sent through to the Department of Transport where this Traffic Register Certificate Number is created. We are currently unsure of the time period incurred.

Once the Permanent Residence Permit has been issued, you need to apply for a SA ID Book. Once this has been received, you can go to the Traffic Department to arrange for the Traffic Register Certificate Number to be merged with your ID Number.

Addendum to our last article on “Drones” ››

The licence for a drone is only required, if it is used for commercial purposes.
Hobby-pilots with drones below 7 kilograms (most of them are around 1,5 kg), do not require licencing. However, flight regulations and no-fly-zones are to apply to these drones as well.

We value your comment ››

Do you want to know about a specific topic, share something with us or comment?
Please feel free to send us an e-mail () so that we can assist you.

Development of Blue Rock Village ››

A Swiss company is developing an attractive site near Somerset West. The flats are eco-friendly and aligned with European building standards (insulation, double glazing, underfloor-heating etc.).

For more information go to:
http://bluerockvillage.lookhere-dev.co.za/ or www.bluerockvillage.co.za

Disclaimer ››

The information contained in this newsletter is neither intended to be a definitive analysis of any specific legal topic nor should it be construed as legal or other professional advice. Professional advice should therefore be obtained from a consultant before any course of action is pursued.